Sri Lanka is more than a travel destination. The untrodden lush green forests, tropical beaches, misty mountains, sanctuaries, paddy terraces, tea gardens and rivers and streams have all turned ‘the pearl’ into a heavenly place in the Indian Ocean. Among these, the waterfalls stand out as some of the most iconic, breathtaking sights. Hidden inside lush green dense forests, the sapphire cascades of water falling from the edges of mountains is really awe inspiring. If you are a passionate traveller or a nature lover, waterfalls should be in your list of priorities. Sri Lanka’s unique topography reveals beautiful waterfalls in every corner of the central highlands. The most impressive ones could be found off the tourist trails. None would regret a hike to the misty waterfall hidden in a lush green environment in the Sitha Eliya Kandapola forest reserve as nothing could beat the beauty of the Bomburu Ella waterfall.
Bomburu Ella, a less trodden traveller’s destination lies not far from the Welimada town. One could take the bus heading to the Bomburu Ella village and trek the trails leading towards the waterfall. It is located two kilometres off the Welimada-Pussella road in the Uva Paranagama provincial division of the Badulla District. The scenic waterfall lies in the border of the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts.
Since the route to the waterfall starts as a foot path one has to walk until he arrives at the destination. The village itself is covered with blue mountains that stand tall reaching out to the skies, while the green paddy terraces on land create the ideal picture of a village. The pure breeze blowing through the mountains refresh the tired souls and makes them more energetic to overcome the obstacles on the path through the forest. As the Bomburu Ella is frequently visited by young adventurous travellers, the villagers have put up small huts that sell refreshments on the way to the waterfall where you could sit on a bench and enjoy a hot cup of tea or belimal drink with hakuru. Or else you can fill your tummy with roti and spicy chilli paste. The villagers are friendly and helpful to the travellers and if you ever stop by a hut never forget to have a chat with them.
A small spring runs along the trail towards the waterfall providing crystal clear water to nourish the paddy fields as well as the villagers. The mutual bond between the lush green forest and the waterfall has created shelters for numerous wild animals and birds. Stepping into the forest one could experience real wilderness. Sunny days are the ideal to visit the waterfall as the trail through the jungle isn’t much damp on hot days and one could avoid the crawling blood thirsty leeches. When the trail through the forest comes to an end, the seeker’s treasure comes to life. The green meadow follows the gushing waters falling from the peaks and welcomes the visitors, sprinkling the milky mist. The meadow spread below the waterfall is ideal to lie down and rest a while after a tiring journey. It seems to be purposefully created for the spectators to observe the stylish creations of Mother Nature.
The beauty has not only attracted travellers, but also photographers. The scenic snapshots have never failed to appear as top stories in Instagram and Facebook. Visitors from far make the best of their stay at Bomburu Ella. However, one should not mix fun with risk in places like this, as danger is hidden in extreme beauties of nature. Taking selfies on the edge of the damp, slippery cliffs is absolutely risky. Also, having baths hold the same risk. The villagers relate many stories about young people drowning at the Bomburu Ella. No one has ever discovered what lies beneath the waters. According to the villagers, under the water there are holes which dig deep inside the earth and trap the swimmers in the waterfall. Sometimes the water level increases without any signs whatsoever, and there’s no escape from death. Never ignore the warnings, keeping to the safe zone is the best way to prevent tragedies happening.
When nature treats us good, it is our responsibility to treat it better. Never leave your mark in the trails which could destroys its purity. Avoid disposing even a single piece of polythene in the unharmed environment, as it has been the home to many wild animals in the forest, and should be so in the future.
Memories of Bomburu Ella would never leave the hearts of nature lovers. Those who treasure its beauty would always want to see the cascades again.